If you are unwell
If you have cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms you should get a test as soon as you start to feel unwell. Doing a test and reporting the result in My Covid Record means you can get the help you need as early as possible.
If you are unsure, talk to your local healthcare provider or call Healthline on 0800 358 5453.
Check the list of COVID-19 symptoms
If you are a contact of someone with COVID-19
If you live with a person who has COVID-19 or have spent at least 8 hours with them in the same residence, you need to get a test on their Day 3 and Day 7 of self-isolation. You do not need to get a test if you had COVID-19 in the last 3 months or completed your isolation as a household contact in the last 10 days.
Advice for Household Contacts
If you are a Close Contact, you do not need to get a test unless you develop symptoms.
Advice for Close Contacts
Getting a test for other reasons
People at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 can get a free test from their doctor or community health provider. They will decide which type of test is best for you.
If you want to get a test for another reason — for example, because you are visiting friends or whānau — you can buy RATs at retail outlets.